Material propertiesPreparation and properties of linear low-density polyethylene-g-poly (acrylic acid)/organo-montmorillonite superabsorbent hydrogel composites

Novel superabsorbent hydrogel composites were prepared using waste linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), acrylic acid (AA), and modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay through emulsion polymerization. The effects of major factors such as acrylic acid, initiator, crosslinking agent and OMMT contents and the degree of neutralization of acrylic acid on water absorbency were investigated to obtain optimum conditions with a high swelling capacity. The prepared samples were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, solid state 13C NMR and 29Si NMR. SEM characterization of the samples showed that hydrogel composites have more pores and a higher swelling ratio than clay free hydrogels. The swelling behaviour of the hydrogel composite was investigated in various saline solutions. The hydrogel composite containing 3 wt% OMMT had the highest water absorbency (800 g/g in distilled water).